Risky sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted infections among women in Uganda

Olivia Nankinga, Makerere University
Leonard K. Atuhaire, Makerere University
Allen Kabagenyi, Makerere University

Risky sexual behaviors are of particular concern in reproductive health since they affect both the individuals involved and their sexual partners. This paper looks at the sexual behavior related to the spread of sexually transmitted infections among women using the 2006 Uganda Demographic and Health survey dataset. These include multiple sexual partnerships in the last 12 months preceding the survey, transactional sex, premarital sex and noncondom use. There was statistical significance between risky sexual behaviour of the women studied and having sexually transmitted diseases. Logistic regression shows statistical significance between risky sexual behaviour and sexual infection except for transactional sex. Findings suggest the need for educating people about sexual transmission preventive messages that are aimed at transforming beliefs, norms and behaviour about sexual health. STI prevention programmes should seek to understand and alter the risky sexual behaviour that increase susceptibility to sexual infections among the population.